Audit Office reveals major deficiencies in Nicosia public transport system

A special report published by the Audit Office on October 14, 2026, has identified significant failures within Nicosia's public transport system. The investigation, conducted between November 10 and December 1, 2025, involved 110 staff members posing as ordinary passengers to evaluate services under real-world conditions. A major finding reveals that 63% of participants would not choose to use buses again, primarily citing the lack of time efficiency, privacy, and comfort compared to private vehicles.

Key issues highlighted include poor infrastructure and unreliable passenger information. Specifically, 55% of bus stops provided no information on routes, 32% lacked shelters, and 22% lacked both shelters and seating. The report also noted inaccuracies in digital applications, with some deviations in stop locations reaching 135 meters. Furthermore, the analysis suggested that in many cases, using a bus is not financially advantageous compared to driving, particularly for solo commuters.

Auditor General Andreas Papaconstantinou emphasized the need for a reliable and user-friendly transport chain to make public services genuinely competitive. The report calls for systemic interventions rather than superficial fixes. While the Ministry of Transport is transitioning toward implementing smart bus stops, the current state of the network continues to face criticism regarding accessibility, cleanliness, and scheduling reliability.